- Paint is the easiest and cheapest way to create a drastic design change. Choose deep, bold colors or soft, subdued shades depending on the atmosphere you're trying to create. You can really get creative with paint. Choose a bright color for one wall, paint horizontal stripes in two coordinating shades, or paint each wall in variations of the same hue. Of course, you also can stick to painting all the walls the same shade. Be sure to keep the paint color swatch and take it with you to help choose other decorative accessories for the room.
You also can use paint on wood or metal furniture that you find at flea markets, thrift stores and garage sales to create a whole new look that's affordable. - Take a plain or decorative sheet, bedspread or tablecloth and instantly change the look of a battered old sofa or chair. Tuck the fabric into the creases, tie or pin the edges and you have an instant slipcover.
Pillows also can add interest to a room design. You can choose coordinating colors or an eclectic mix on the sofa and chairs to tie in the colors of the room. They are also very plush and comfortable. Because pillows are so inexpensive, you can switch them each season. - Lamps provide soft lighting throughout different areas of room so you don't have to rely only on overhead lighting. They also can become stylish, decorative accessories. You can find inexpensive table and floor lamps to fit just about any room's design style.
- Pictures add a comforting, finishing touch to a room. Create your own artwork with cheap frames from a flea market or thrift store. Paint the frames and staple decorative fabric to the back, and you have an instant work of art. Try hanging framed mirrors in a group on one wall for an artistic effect.
Whether it's a painting, a wall gallery of family photos or picture frames perched on top of side tables or a fireplace mantle, these items give your room a comfortable, lived-in feeling.
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